headyversion

find the best versions of grateful dead songs

please login or register.

Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49677


Submissions

2
Playin' In The Band
Aug. 26, 1971
Gaelic Park

At risk of putting all '71 up here. Tell me to stop if too much! I just love the twangy country versions, knowing the evolution in store for it.
12
Wharf Rat
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Extremely powerful. Strong vocals, massive sound, tremendous jam, great mix. Coming off 30 minutes of TOO like a parachute from the ionosphere.
3
Bird Song
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Intricate zigzagging solo work from Jerry, tight ensemble playing. Doesn't ever "soar" like some of them, but more exploratory and compelling.
3
Casey Jones
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

They announce the set-break, then decide to blow out the tubes on this one, capping one of the best 1st sets of 1971.
4
Loser
Aug. 23, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Snarling guitar solo and great organ sound in an excellently mixed (Bobby audible always a plus) SBD. The whole first set is sweet heady goodness.

Comments

China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

A high-end and uptempo jumper. One of those rare moments where "just exactly perfect" applies without a single note out of place. This is all about the Rider, as they transition out of China Cat without a jam. Listen to the delicate, elegant and wonderful Keith fills in all the right places in all the in between places. Sole caveat: the Mike Lai tape has great separation and sound, but may well be a half-tone fast, adding to the lovely urgency, but not necessarily faithful to the original sound.
Brown Eyed Women
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

This is like a '77 version transplanted back in time to '72. Are there others like it from this early that had that backbeat shuffle to it and uptempo polish? If so, I don't know of 'em. Interesting new take on a well-established vehicle from years early. Cool.
Bird Song
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Oh yes this is a beauty, right up there with the best of the immortal '72s. I don't often comment twice on a song, but this one is definitely worth it. If Jerry's long solo is the Bird then Bobby is a gusting wind around him, with Keith the rolling soundclouds, and Phil and Billy sweet distant thunder.
Black Throated Wind
Nov. 17, 1972
Century II Convention Hall

Very strong version. This first set just kicks off so well, they were totally switched on this night. I think the Mike Lai version sounds better, even if possibly pitched a smidge sharper.
Wharf Rat
Nov. 15, 1972
Oklahoma City Music Hall

A perfect sounding mix really brings out everyone's contribution here. There are a few humanizing stumbles early on, but anyone overlooking this one is missing on an exceptionally beautiful and interesting Wharf Rat.